Refilling the Well

Dear Solelniks,

By now, I hope you are aware that I will be away from Solel for the remaining part of my sabbatical from this March through June.

Sabbatical refers to a period of intentional rest, renewal, and reimagining. It is rest for the sake of better work in the future. In that sense, it is strategic and pro-active. The idea is to cease ordinary work, in order to experience productive rest and to engage in focused study and work that the regular demands of rabbinic leadership do not allow. The goal of both the productive rest and focused work is to provide opportunity for spiritual renewal, deepening one’s inner life, and capacity to support others through livui ruchani (spiritual guidance), and refreshing personal and family time.

I plan to spend the sabbatical time focusing on four areas: (1) Dedicating time to personal renewal, reflection and vision; physical and spiritual health (2) Enjoying special time with family (as a whole, as well as individual members); (3) Devoting time to projects and learning – such as learning new music, experiencing and finding new ideas and inspiration in Shabbat services in other places (4) living into the goal of planned rest through meaningful activities, and travel to explore parts of Canada we haven’t visited before.

I realize that my absence means a bigger load for our staff and volunteers. I am especially grateful to Arliene Botnick, who has arranged for so many of our volunteers to provide coverage for services while I am away; and to Joel Brown for his technical wizardry and creation of “Cantor in a Box” in order to provide musical support for services when we aren’t able to arrange for a musician. Thank you in advance to our staff, our board, and our religious committee and the visiting rabbis who will be stepping up while I am away.

I know you’ll give a warm welcome to the visiting rabbis to Solel, and I hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities to learn from them, and from our fellow Solelniks during this time. Make it a point to come to shul, see new faces, and hear new perspectives. And please use this time to serve and volunteer. I pray that you will find inspiration to bring your time and talents in some new ways that we need.

Your encouragement and support make it a joy and blessing to serve as your rabbi, and I am grateful to lead a congregation that supports rest and renewal. I’m looking forward to this time away to refill the well of my creativity, enthusiasm and joy for what’s to come.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Audrey S. Pollack

Filed under: Rabbi's Message

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